- - Olympian Greg Louganis Opens Up About Life in Panama After Selling Medals to Move Out of the U.S.

Natalia SenanayakeJanuary 2, 2026 at 12:49 AM

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Greg Louganis/Instagram (2)

Greg Louganis speaking about his life in Panama in an Instagram Live -

Olympic diver Greg Louganis reflected on his life in Panama after leaving the U.S. in a recent Instagram Live

In the video, he clarified he hasn’t permanently put down roots in Panama, and he’s even considering the possibility of relocating to New Zealand

Louganis previously revealed he sold three of his Olympic medals and his house in order to fund his international move

Diving legend Greg Louganis is opening up about his life in Panama after previously revealing he sold his Olympic medals to fund his move out of the United States.

The five-time Olympic medalist, 65, reflected on his relocation from the U.S. to Panama in an Instagram Live posted on Tuesday, Dec. 30. During the video, he answered questions from his followers and spoke about adjusting to life away from the U.S.

“I think I’m going to be in Panama for a while,” Louganis said in the clip. “It seems to be a good time to make those changes. So many of my friends are dispersing to different parts of the world which is really cool.”

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He added that while he hasn’t permanently moved to Panama yet, settling down there long term is a “possibility” for him.

“Panama is great — I’m really checking it out. I didn’t move to Panama. I’m not getting a hold of attorneys and getting my citizenship or anything like that, but that’s a possibility. It is a possibility,” he said.

While he’s enjoying life in Panama, Louganis said there’s another country he’s eyeing for a possible relocation, given his personal connection to it.

“Ideally, what I'd really love to do is take a year and live in New Zealand and explore that. Because I do have some New Zealand Maori on my dad’s side,” he said. “It looks fascinating and beautiful, and they have so much respect for their indigenous people there.”

Nora Tam/South China Morning Post via Getty

Greg Louganis with his medal on July 25, 2012

In August, Louganis revealed in a post on Facebook that he sold three of his Olympic medals, as well as his home, in order to fund his move out of the U.S.

"So, as life moves forward, what are you prepared to leave behind? I am 65 years old, and I am asking just that. I am no longer who I used to think I was," he wrote in the post.

"I have auctioned three of my medals, which sold, I believe, because I went against what the 'experts' told me last time when I tried the first time," he continued. "I told the truth; I needed the money. While many people may have built businesses and sold them for a profit, I had my medals, which I am grateful for."

Louganis, who divorced his husband Johnny Chaillot in 2021, specialized in the 3-meter springboard and 10-meter platform events throughout his diving career. He won gold in both disciplines at the 1984 and 1988 Olympics, and silver in the 10-meter platform at the 1976 Games.

Pascal Rondeau/Allsport

Greg Louganis in 1988

He continued the post by sharing how he was "VERY happy with" the new owner of his home, adding, “I thanked and blessed the house to bring joy, love, peace, happiness and a sense of safety to those who entered the house.”

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Of beginning a new chapter in Panama, he noted how he had "various things to consider" when moving his belongings — like his car — over to his new home, "including import taxes to Panama, and the roads are not quite what we are accustomed to."

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”